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Sheila O’Connell, 78, of Guilford and Marco Island, Florida passed away peacefully at her home in Marco Island on Aug. 23. She was born Nov. 21, 1942, in Bridgeport, to Helen (Hickey) and James Crowley.

Sheila attended Notre Dame High School in Bridgeport and went on to graduate from The Hospital of St Raphael’s School of Nursing in 1963. Early in Sheila’s nursing career, she worked as a home care nurse for those with permanent disabilities. In 1981 Sheila began working at Connecticut Hospice, the first facility of its kind in the United States. Sheila’s calling was providing end of life care for those with terminal illnesses and giving comfort to their families. She worked at Connecticut Hospice for 30 years until her retirement in 2011.

In retirement, Sheila split time between Guilford and Marco Island, Florida. Sheila enjoyed traveling the world with her husband Ed and visited all 50 states, 70 countries, and 6 of 7 continents. When not traveling or reading, Sheila enjoyed doting on her seven grandchildren.

Sheila is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ed. She is also survived by her sons, Brendan and his wife Claudia of Durham, Chris and his wife Kelly of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and Dan and his wife Rebecca of Walpole, Massachusetts. Sheila leaves behind seven grandchildren, Rowan, Aidan, Erin, Nora, Teghan, Rory, and Dillon.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, at St. George’s Church, Whitfield Street, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT 06405. Arrangements are in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.